Misconception:
Food allergies are not life-threatening․
Reality:
Reactions due to food allergies can range from mild to severe․ Symptoms can range from nasal congestion, itching, and hives to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. When an allergic reaction is severe and affects multiple body systems, it becomes anaphylaxis and is potentially life-threatening. It is important for individuals with food allergies to be attentive to the foods they are consuming, knowledgeable about the signs of a reaction, and prepared to use an epinephrine auto-injector.